The Department of Justice and Industrial Relations supports victims of crime through the administration of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and the funding of the Victims of Crime (Response and Referral) Services. These services aim to assist the process of recovery of the victims who have suffered experiences related to the committing of crime, and aim to enhance the potential for them to participate in the criminal justice process.

The Master of the Supreme Court is responsible for determining the level of compensation to be granted to victims who have suffered injuries as a result of criminal acts. Compensation is awarded in accordance with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1976.

There were 728 claims for criminal injuries compensation received during 2002-03, with an average award of $9,319, an average disposal time of 13 weeks and an average cost paid to legal practitioners of $646.